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13
Jul 2020
Stray exchange land identified for cycle route
Harrogate Borough Council is set to consult on three plots of land to be designated the Stray as part of a land swap to make way for the Otley Road Cycle Route.
The building of the cycle route means that verges classed as Stray land have to be removed. As part of the Stray Act, a suitable plot of land must be offered in exchange.
The council will now consult on the three areas of land before settling on one to exchange.
The three areas identified are:
- Wetherby Road land next to the war memorial (preferred option)
- St James Drive verges
- Arthurs Avenue verges
Senior councillors on the borough council’s cabinet are expected to approve the public consultation on Wednesday.
It comes as North Yorkshire County Council’s looks to press ahead with a multi-million cycle route on the stretch of road between Harlow Moor Road and Beech Grove.
Read more
- The agony of getting a single cycle route built in Harrogate
- 26 cyclists a year injured in collisions in Harrogate
- Cyclists groups must "remain realistic", says county council
The scheme has been marred by delays and, with less than a mile of the route being built, the county council has been criticised over a “lack of ambition”.
Now, highways bosses will hope that the consultation will lead to a solution to its latest stumbling block and prevent any further setbacks.
Lengthy negotiations with the Duchy of Lancaster over the use of Stray land on the footpaths and verges between Cold Bath Road and Beech Grove delayed the second phase of the project from going ahead.
The borough council’s preferred option would see a plot of land behind Harrogate District Hospital which adjoins the end of Willaston Road offered in exchange.
While the land has a covenant which states that it is intended for recreational and open space, the council said it would not prevent it from being used as exchange land.
However, the Stray Defence Association (SDA) raised concern over the amenity value of the second and third options outlined by the council.
Judy D'Arcy Thompson from the SDA said:
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